African businesses are finally narrowing the efficiency gap by embracing IT automation, cutting costs and boosting productivity. Companies lose up to 30% of revenue yearly due to outdated, manual systems, but innovators like South Africa’s Think Tank Software Solutions (TTSS) are changing that. In partnership with platforms like Docusign, Workato, and Zapier, TTSS helps businesses automate workflows, cut turnaround times by 80%, and increase ROI by up to 291%. These solutions are transforming HR, procurement, finance, and more—empowering African companies to compete globally with smart, scalable, and secure operations.
Author: Africa Business
“Abidjan, what’s up?” – ONOMO celebrates Abidjan with a major cultural and festive moment
ONOMO Hotels brought the ONOMO Summer Fest to Abidjan for the first time on May 17, 2025, after two acclaimed editions in Casablanca. Held at the newly renovated ONOMO Hotel Abidjan Airport, this vibrant event celebrated Afro culture through live music, creative showcases, and inspiring discussions on entrepreneurship in Africa’s cultural and creative industries. Featuring performances by Rosey Gold, SuperJazzClub, and Paulo Chakal, plus thought-provoking panels and immersive art experiences, the festival positioned Abidjan as a rising cultural capital on the African and global stage.
Kaspersky Unveils GriffithRAT: Advanced Malware Targeting Fintech and Online Trading Platforms
Kaspersky has discovered GriffithRAT, a sophisticated malware targeting fintech firms, online trading platforms, and betting companies across the UAE, Egypt, Turkiye, and South Africa. Spread via Skype and Telegram, GriffithRAT disguises itself as financial analysis documents to steal sensitive data such as login credentials, keystrokes, and webcam feeds. Linked to cyber mercenaries, this malware is part of a growing trend of targeted, commercial cyberattacks aimed at corporate espionage and data theft.
Tapping into Africa’s Refugees: Economic Opportunity Hiding In Plain Sight
This article by Reeta Roy, President and CEO of the Mastercard Foundation, highlights the untapped economic potential of Africa’s 45 million forcibly displaced people, including refugees. Drawing on inspiring examples such as Mesfin Getahun in Kenya’s Kakuma settlement, Roy argues that refugees are not just aid recipients, but dynamic entrepreneurs and contributors to local economies. In response, the Mastercard Foundation is committing $300 million in partnership with UNHCR to expand education, skills training, and dignified work opportunities for refugees across Africa, especially youth and women. The article calls for collaborative, long-term investment from governments, development funders, and the private sector to transform refugee settlements into engines of inclusive economic growth.
Smart brands adopt an always-on audience strategy. Here’s why
This article explores why forward-thinking brands are shifting from traditional, short-term digital campaigns to an always-on audience strategy driven by first-party data. Theo Visser from Flow and Rayhaan Williams from eComplete highlight the benefits of building long-term, dynamic audience segments that evolve over time, enabling brands to improve targeting precision, increase ROI, and gain valuable consumer insights. Through platforms like Flow’s data marketplace, advertisers can access high-intent audience segments and continuously refine their strategies. The piece advocates for a mindset shift toward sustained engagement and smarter, data-driven marketing in the age of commerce media and AI-driven personalization.
Making Capital Work for African Women: Closing the gender financing gap alongside the African Development Bank Group
This article explores the critical role of financial institutions in closing the gender financing gap in Africa, focusing on the partnership between Absa Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) and the African Development Bank Group (AfDB). It highlights the transformative impact of integrated financial and non-financial support for women entrepreneurs, illustrated by the success story of South African business leader Busisiwe Mdletshe. With reference to recent gender parity data and large-scale investment initiatives, the article emphasizes the importance of combining capital access with human development to achieve inclusive economic growth. The article outlines landmark financing packages aimed at supporting women-led SMEs and advocates for continued collaboration between development finance institutions and private sector banks to scale impact across the continent.
Digital empowerment takes root in Zimbabwe with EFTCorp and EmpowerBank Limited
Digital financial inclusion is gaining momentum in Zimbabwe through a strategic partnership between EFTCorp and EmpowerBank Limited, a youth-focused microfinance institution. Together, they are building a robust digital ecosystem that supports underserved communities—particularly young people and women—by providing accessible banking infrastructure, youth microloans, financial literacy programs, and entrepreneurship support. EmpowerBank’s grassroots development initiatives are complemented by EFTCorp’s cutting-edge digital payment technologies, enabling mobile-first, scalable, and secure financial services. This public-private collaboration exemplifies how digital transformation can foster economic empowerment and sustainable development from the ground up.
How to drop-kick dropshipping risks and build a sustainable business
Dropshipping has emerged as a popular ecommerce model thanks to its low startup costs and logistical simplicity. In this article, Grant Lapping, Digital Executive at midnight, explores how entrepreneurs can overcome the inherent risks of dropshipping to build a sustainable and profitable online business. From finding reliable suppliers and choosing the right platforms (like Shopify or Amazon), to brand building and market differentiation, the article offers actionable strategies for success. With the market projected to reach $3.47 trillion by 2033, dropshipping offers massive potential—but only for those willing to commit to long-term value creation over short-term gains.
Industry Leaders and Investors Convene at Africa Tech Summit London to Unlock Global Capital for African Tech Ventures
The 9th Africa Tech Summit London, scheduled for June 6, 2025, at the London Stock Exchange, brings together over 350 investors, founders, and industry leaders to unlock global capital for African tech ventures. With the support of key partners such as AWS, Bank of America, and Flutterwave, the summit will explore the future of African startups, offering insights on funding, investment opportunities, and emerging technologies such as Generative AI, Web3, and Digital Identity. High-level speakers will discuss strategies to scale African ventures globally and adapt to economic shifts. The event aims to foster bold conversations, collaborations, and new opportunities for African tech ecosystems to thrive amidst changing economic landscapes.
Rewiring Enterprise IT for Simpler, Smarter, and More Flexible Operations
As IT environments become increasingly complex, enterprise leaders are seeking smarter, more agile solutions to simplify operations and drive efficiency. In this article, Greg Strydom, Managing Director of Think Tank Software Solutions, explains how Ivanti’s unified platform is helping organizations reduce tool sprawl, improve patch compliance, lower license costs, and enhance the digital employee experience. Backed by real-world metrics and client success stories, the article highlights how Think Tank, South Africa’s only Ivanti Premier Partner, enables businesses to achieve better ROI, faster support, and stronger security through orchestration-driven IT transformation.